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Sunday, July 19, 2015
Virtue Falls (Virtue Falls #01) by Christina Dodd {Audio}
My Rating: 3 of 5 Stars
Title: Virtue Falls
Author: Christina Dodd
Narrator: Rebecca Soler
Series: Virtue Falls #01
Length: Unabridged; 16 hours, 22 minutes (Audio)
Publisher: MacMillan Audio;
Published: September 09, 2014
Source: Publisher via Audiobook Jukebox
Format: Audiobook
Genres: Fiction; Suspense
Subjects: Murder/Investigation; Single Women; Contemporary Women
Twenty-three years ago, Misty Banner was brutally slashed to death in her home in Virtue Falls, Washington. Her husband was convicted of the murder. Their four-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, witnessed the crime, but has no memory of the killing. Now, two decades later, Elizabeth is back in Virtue Falls. She soon discovers her father is innocent. The real killer is still out there. And her investigation has stirred dark and deadly resentments that could provoke in another bloody murder - her own - in this riveting novel from best-selling author Christina Dodd.
©2014 Christina Dodd (P)2014 Macmillan Audio
My Review:
I did read the Novella, The Listener, prior to reading Virtue Falls and must admit that it was a great little teaser to get you started and interested in Virtue Falls (stay tuned for a review of The Listener). I do have to admit that the length of this book is what kept me from jumping right to it, as I can get pre-book jitters, especially if it's a long title!
I felt that there were great, solid characters in this book, but I did feel like the story was a little more drawn out than it had to be. The premise of the story is wonderful though, a father that supposedly killed his wife, a daughter that was there but can't remember the murder...I mean, you can't go wrong with that! Throw in a little bit of my ex is still madly in love with me and is going to win me back and you've got a winning combination! I just think that winning combination could have been achieved a little quicker!
I must admit that the storyline wasn't that of your usual storyline. You have the quirky/nerdy Elizabeth, that lives for her work, who just isn't your every day, run of the mill, suspense character, and I think that was refreshing. She was studying earthquakes, which is another thing that you really don't read much about in mystery novels, so I think Christina Dodd is on to something in trying to keep with traditional mystery but with refreshing new details!
I hate when it comes down to actually rating a book, because I do feel like 3 stars is too low, however, I do feel like 4 stars was a little too much. I would probably settle for like, 3.75 stars, if that were possible! I liked that this story was different, that these characters were unique and different, I just wish the story weren't so lengthy. I think there were some parts that were overly descriptive, that could have been left out and wouldn't have taken away from the story at all!
With that being said, I will continue on with this series, as I'm interested to see where Dodd is going with it! I see that next in line, The Relative, is another novella, which is absolutely thrilling to me because I can breeze through those, so I look forward to seeing where this goes!
Friday, July 10, 2015
Fallen by Leslie Tentler {Audio}
My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Title: Fallen
Author: Leslie Tentler
Narrator: Marguerite Gavin
Series: Stand Alone
Length: Unabridged; 9 hours, 24 minutes (Audio)
Publisher: Blackstone Audio (Audio);
Published: July 22, 2014
Source: Publisher via Audiobook Jukebox
Format: Audiobook; MP3 Download
Genres: Fiction; Romantic Suspense
Subjects: Murder/Investigation; Emergency Physicians; Police
Amid a sultry Atlanta summer, someone is targeting police. The investigation becomes personal for APD Detective Ryan Winter when a colleague and friend is shot dead - the second victim in weeks. But even as he finds himself being drawn into the tense hunt for a serial cop killer, he is forced to reexamine his own shattering personal tragedy.
An ER physician at Atlanta's busy Mercy Hospital, Dr. Lydia Costa is no stranger to suffering. Still, the recent police slayings reopen barely healed wounds - and bring her face to face with her ex-husband, Ryan Winter. As the body count rises and paranoia tightens its grip on the police force, Lydia and Ryan are pulled together by circumstances and fate, causing old passions to reignite despite their painful shared past. But as Ryan moves closer to discovering the killer's identity, someone is watching, placing both him and Lydia in mortal danger.
©2015 Leslie Tentler (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
My Review:
Surprisingly, prior to June, I had never read a book written by Leslie Tentler, nor had I really even heard much about her or her books! I couldn't have picked a better first book to read, as I was smittenly (if that's a word!) captivated by Fallen!
I knew that I would love listening to this book, as Marguerite Gavin is one of my all-time favorite narrators! She narrates a lot of Karen Rose books, and ironically, I felt that Tentler's writing very closely resembled that of Karen Rose, which is nothing to be ashamed of!!!
Fallen immediately started out keeping you hanging on the edge of your seat, and kept you in that same position, if not edging you over more and more the further you got into the story. The story flowed nicely with a great development of characters!
Overall, I LOVED this book, and only wish I could find more books that left me with the feelings I had after reading this! All too often since reading, I find myself trying to find something that closely resembles this, because it left that great of an impression on me! Great job Leslie Tentler! This book is a HOME RUN!!!
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Guilt by Degrees (Rachel Knight #02) by Marcia Clark {eBook & Audio}
My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Title: Guilt by Degrees
Author: Marcia Clark
Series: Rachel Knight #02
Narrator: January LaVoy
Length: eBook - 449 pages; Unabridged; 12 hours and 27 minutes (Audio)
Publisher: Mulholland Books (eBook); Hachette Audio (Audio)
Published: April 30, 2013 (eBook); May 8, 2012 (Audio)
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: eBook & Audio
Genres: Fiction; Legal Stories; Suspense
Subjects: Public Prosecutors; Police; Murder Investigation; Los Angeles, California
Someone has been watching D.A. Rachel Knight - someone who's Rachel's equal in brains, but with more malicious intentions. It began when a near-impossible case fell into Rachel's lap, the suspectless homicide of a homeless man. In the face of courthouse backbiting and a gauzy web of clues, Rachel is determined to deliver justice. She's got back-up: tough-as-nails Detective Bailey Keller.
As Rachel and Bailey stir things up, they're shocked to uncover a connection with the vicious murder of an LAPD cop a year earlier. Something tells Rachel someone knows the truth, someone who'd kill to keep it secret.
Harrowing, smart, and riotously entertaining, Guilt by Degrees is a thrilling ride through the world of LA courts with the unforgettable Rachel Knight.
©2012 Marcia Clark (P)2012 Hachette Audio
My Review:
From the very beginning of Guilt by Association, I loved Rachel Knight and knew that I'd love the entire series. So it was no surprise to me that I actually loved Guilt by Degrees even more!
I thought that the story was thorough and page-turning. Even though Marcia Clark started out as an attorney, she has totally mastered her new career choice of author! I feel that she covers all aspects of a trial, ones that an ordinary author that may not be aware of so that gives her a unique ability!
January LaVoy's voice seems to fit Rachel Knight perfectly! I absolutely love to listen to her narration and am thrilled to see that she continues narrating throughout the entire series!
I think that there is a unique variety of characters given and they all play on each other well and keep the story, although serious, light and entertaining!
Overall, I'm thrilled to be a part of reviewing this series and can see myself finishing off the series rather quickly!
Guilt by Association (Rachel Knight #01) by Marcia Clark {Audio & eBook}
My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Title: Guilt by Association
Author: Marcia Clark
Series: Rachel Knight #01
Narrator: January LaVoy
Length: eBook - 373 pages; Unabridged; 9 hours and 49 minutes (Audio)
Publisher: Mulholland Books (eBook); Hachette Audio (Audio)
Published: June 26, 2012 (eBook); June 20, 2011 (Audio)
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: eBook & Audio
Genres: Fiction; Legal Stories
Subjects: Public Prosecutors; Murder Investigation; Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles D.A. Rachel Knight is a tenacious, wise-cracking, and fiercely intelligent prosecutor in the city's most elite division. When her colleague, Jake, is found dead at a grisly crime scene, Rachel is shaken to the core. She must take over his toughest case: the assault of a young woman from a prominent family.
But she can't stop herself from digging deeper into Jake's death, a decision that exposes a world of power and violence and will have her risking her reputation - and her life - to find the truth.
With her tremendous expertise in the nuances of L.A. courts and crime, and with a vibrant ensemble cast of characters, Marcia Clark combines intimate detail, riotous humor, and visceral action in a debut thriller that marks the launch of a major new figure on the crime-writing scene.
©2011 Marcia Clark (P)2011 Hachette
My Review:
I received an email from NetGalley asking if I'd be interested in reviewing a series by Marcia Clark. At the time, I must be honest and admit, that I didn't realize that Marcia Clark was the Prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson murder trial. I was relatively young while all that was going on, so it wasn't something that would stand out in my head. So when I read the Synopsis, I was thrilled to take this series on and review them!
Let me just say that I love the character Rachel Knight! She is incredibly intelligent and witty, quick on her feet, not scared of anything, ready to go get anyone who gets in her way! I really think she's a one-of-a-kind, perfect character that I just can't get enough of! I love reading her and her antics, and contrary to the complaints of other reviewers, I thoroughly enjoy hearing about what she is wearing or eating that day! That girl can put some food down!
This was my first Marcia Clark read, and absolutely won't be my last! I will delightfully and gleefully finish this series! I love the extreme in depth, and overly descriptive method of Clark's writing and certainly appreciate her explanation of things that non-lawyers may not already know!
I listened to this book while following along with the e-book and I must say that January LaVoy is a true professional narrator. She is one of those narrator's that you'll buy a book just because she is the one reading it to you! I look forward to listening to more of her works!
Overall, I really loved this story and can't wait to see what Rachel Knight has in store for us in Guilt by Degrees!! I actually have to admit that I originally rated this book a 4 of 5 stars, and after re-reading my review and the delightful feelings I have just thinking back on the story, I had to change my review to 5 of 5 stars! Thank you NetGalley for sharing this awesome new series with me!
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
The Whispers {The Whispers #01} by Lisa Unger
My Rating: 5 of 5 Stars
Title: The Whispers
Author: Lisa Unger
Series: The Whispers #1
Length: 60 pages
Publisher: Pocket Star (of Simon & Schuster);
Published: October 27, 2014
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: eBook
Genres: Fiction; Suspense; Short Stories
Subjects: Traffic Accidents; Bereavement; Psychic Ability
It’s a day like any other for Eloise Montgomery—until tragedy strikes. While she is recovering from a horrible accident that takes the lives of her husband and oldest daughter, and as she works to help her younger daughter move forward, Eloise experiences her first psychic vision. Though she struggles to understand her newfound gifts, Eloise finds a way use them to save lost women and girls—for whom her help may be the only way out…
The Whispers is the first of three original short stories that comprise an e-novella, spanning thirty years in the life of Eloise Montgomery. The second story is THE BURNING GIRL, followed by THE THREE SISTERS. Its tendrils reach back to FRAGILE, the novel in which Eloise first appeared, and ahead to CRAZY LOVE YOU.
My Review:
I love short stories because I don't always have all the time in the world to sit down and read a book, so with a novella, it gives me a chance to get through something relatively quickly!
To me, this story was so grasping! It took me in and kept me holding on right up through the very last word! I found myself in an array of emotions while reading throughout the whole story! Lisa Unger has certainly mastered the ability of short story writing! The story was just perfect...not to short, not too long, not too vague, not too descriptive! Unger NAILED it!
I can't wait to see what the rest of The Whispers series has in store for us!
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
The Burning Girl (The Whispers #2) by Lisa Unger
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Title: The Burning Girl
Author: Lisa Unger
Series: The Whispers #2
Length: 60 pages
Publisher: Pocket Star (of Simon & Schuster);
Published: November 25, 2014
Source: Publisher via NetGalley
Format: eBook
Genres: Fiction; Suspense; Short Stories
Subjects: Psychics; Psychic Abilities; Family Secrets
Ten years after Eloise Montgomery discovers her psychic abilities, she is a full-fledged working psychic, with a partner and a business. Now, in The Burning Girl, she’s discovering some disturbing things: secrets about her genealogy that are, perhaps, best left in the past; that her granddaughter Finley has powers of her own; and that not all of Eloise’s visitors actually want to be helped. Some of them are just looking for trouble…
The Burning Girl is the second of three original short stories that comprise an e-novella, spanning thirty years in the life of Eloise Montgomery. The first story is THE WHISPERS, and the third story is THE THREE SISTERS. Its tendrils reach back to FRAGILE, the novel in which Eloise first appeared, and ahead to CRAZY LOVE YOU.
My Review:
I am usually not one to jump right into books with psychics or about the subject, however, I have found that I absolutely love this short story series!!
The Burning Girl is book #2 of The Whispers series, and finds Eloise Montgomery, several years after discovering the whispers and her "psychic abilities". I fell in love with reading about this family after the first story, so I was slightly disappointed to read about so much lapsed time since the first book, almost twenty years! Disappointment aside, for a short story, Lisa Unger quickly delivered a great mysterious short story, leaving nothing out!
It's hard to find a good short story, but I believe Lisa Unger has mastered the ability to write them! I love this series and can't wait to read the last of this short story series, The Three Sisters!
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